Aeration machine

ABSTRACT

An aeration machine  10  comprising a drive mechanism  16  connected to sets of tines  18  by a vibration absorbing linkage arrangement  34.  The arrangement  34  enables the tines  18  to remain vertical when extending into the ground thereby avoiding elongation of the holes formed thereby.

[0001] This invention concerns improvements in or relating to aeration machines.

[0002] Aeration machines are used to aerate turf for example on golf greens, cricket squares or other sports pitches or leisure areas. They usually comprise a plurality of tines which are rapidly movable into and out of the ground as the machine moves along. The tines maybe solid, or for instance hollow to remove cores of turf. Problems can be encountered with such machines in avoiding wear on the machine, elongation of round holes, and/or tearing of the ground as the machine moves whilst the tines are entering and leaving the ground. It is desirable that longitudinal movement of the tines relative to the ground, only occurs when the tines are wholly clear of the ground.

[0003] According to the present invention there is provided an aeration machine, the machine comprising one or more tines selectively movable into and out of the ground, and a linkage arrangement between the machine and the tines which arrangement is substantially vibration absorbing and permits the tines to move in substantially only a vertical direction when any part of the tines extends into the ground.

[0004] The linkage may comprise a vibration absorbing member. The vibration absorbing member may comprise first and second parts, with the first part located at least partially within the second part and held therein by one or more resilient members. The resilient members may comprise one or more pieces of a resilient material. The resilient material is preferably self-damping and may comprise rubber.

[0005] The second part may comprise a hollow housing with the first part held therein by a plurality of pieces of resilient material. The first part may be of generally square cross-section, and desirably a piece of material is provided along each side thereof. The second part may be of square cross-section, and in a rest condition the first and second parts may be oriented at substantially 45° relative to each other.

[0006] The first part is preferably mountable to the tines and the second part mountable to the remainder of the machine.

[0007] The first part is preferably mounted to the tines by a pivotal arrangement, and the arrangement may comprise a first member extending from the vibration absorbing member and which pivotally mounts a linkage member, which linkage member pivotally connects to the tines.

[0008] The tines may be vertically drivable by a member pivotally mounted off centre on a drive wheel. The link member preferably pivotally mounts the linkage.

[0009] An embodiment of the present invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0010]FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic rear view of an aeration machine according to the present invention;

[0011]FIG. 2 is a perspective view from beneath and behind of the machine of FIG. 1;

[0012]FIGS. 3A to D show sequential diagrammatic side views of the part of the machine of FIG. 1 in use;

[0013]FIG. 4 is a diagrammatic perspective view of part of the apparatus of FIG. 1; and

[0014]FIG. 5 is a diagrammatic exploded cross-sectional view of the components of FIG. 4.

[0015] The drawings show an aeration machine 10 suitable for aerating golf greens and the like. The machine comprises a front roller 12 mounted on a body 14 which contains a drive mechanism 16 connected to two sets of four tines 18. The tines 18 in each set are rigidly connected, and each set is arranged to enter the ground at a different time relative to the other set. The machine 10 is drivable behind a tractor (not shown) in a conventional manner, with the tractor providing the drive for the machine 10.

[0016] Considering the drive mechanism 16 in more detail, this will be described for one set of tines 18 but an identical arrangement is provided for each set. The tines 18 are removably mounted on a bracket 20 which is mounted on the free end of an elongate link member 22. The other end of the link member 20 is pivotally mounted off centre on a drive wheel 24. A drive wheel 24 is provided for each set of tines 18 and mounted on an axial 26. A drive belt 28 extends around a one of the wheels 24 and also around a further drive wheel (not shown) which connects to a towing tractor.

[0017] The first end of the link member 22 pivotally mounts a linkage member 30 at one end thereof. The other end of the member 30 pivotally links a relatively short connecting bar 32. The other end of the bar 32 connects to a vibration absorbing linkage 34 which is mounted to the frame of the machine 10.

[0018] The linkage 34 comprises a length of tube 36 of square section, but with rounded corners. A piece of rubber 38 is located extending along each corner of the tube 36. A square section block 40 is located within the tube 36 and held in position by the pieces 38. The block 40 is orientated at substantially 45° to the tube 36. Threaded holes 42 are provided in the block 40 to permit mounting thereof to a U-shaped bracket 44 mountable on the frame of the machine 10. Mounted on the free end of the bar 32 is a square section bracket 46. A gap is provided in the upper side of the bracket 46 and has upturned flanges with aligned holes through which a bolt 48 extends engageable with a nut 50. The bracket 46 is locatable around the tube 36, and can be rigidly mounted thereon by tightening the nut 50 on the bolt 48.

[0019]FIGS. 3A to 3D show operation of the machine 10 and particularly the drive mechanism 16. In FIG. 3A as the link member 22 reaches its lowest position the tine 18 is driven fully into the ground. As the link member 22 rises (FIG. 3B) the tine 18 rises. At the same time the machine 10 will almost certainly be moving forwards i.e. to the right as shown in FIGS. 3A to D. Rather than the tine 18 being moved sideways, the relative spacing between the tine 18 and the axis of the wheel 24 is taken up by the linkage 34 connecting via the bar 32 and linkage member 30. The resilience of the rubber pieces 38 permits the bar 32 and hence block 40 to rotate relative to the tube 36.

[0020] When the tine 18 is fully out of the ground (FIG. 3C) the resilience of the rubber pieces 38 allows the block 40 and hence bar 32 to rotate back to a relaxed condition. In FIG. 3D as the tine 18 re-enters the ground, the linkage 34 permits the block 40 and hence the bar 32 to rotate to the right as shown in the drawings which compensates for the upper end of the member 22 being to the right hand side of the axis of the wheel 24.

[0021] There is thus described an aeration machine and particularly a drive mechanism and linkage therefor which provides considerable advantages. The linkage 34 allows the tines 18 to remain vertical during use and therefore avoid ripping the ground or elongating a round hole. The linkage 34 also absorbs vibration. This reduces ware of components and also the noise of operation. The arrangement is of relatively straightforward construction and can thus be inexpensively and robustly manufactured,

[0022] Various modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the invention. For example, a different linking arrangement could be provided between the linkage and the tines. A different vertical drive arrangement could also be provided.

[0023] Whilst endeavouring in the foregoing specification to draw attention to those features of the invention believed to be of particular importance it should be understood that the Applicant claims protection in respect of any patentable feature or combination of features hereinbefore referred to and/or shown in the drawings whether or nor particular emphasis has been placed thereon. 

1. An aeration machine, the machine comprising one or more tines selectively movable into and out of the ground, and a linkage arrangement between the machine and the tines which arrangement is substantially vibration absorbing and permits the tines to move in substantially only a vertical direction when any part of the tines extends into the ground.
 2. An aeration machine according to claim 1, wherein the linkage comprises a vibration absorbing member.
 3. An aeration machine according to claim 2, wherein the vibration absorbing member comprises first and second parts, and the first part is located at least partially within the second part and held therein by one or more resilient members.
 4. An aeration machine according to claim 3, wherein the or each resilient member comprises one or more pieces of a resilient material.
 5. An aeration machine according to claim 4, wherein the resilient material is self-damping.
 6. An aeration machine according to claim 4, wherein the resilient material comprises rubber.
 7. An aeration machine according to claim 3, wherein the second part comprises a hollow housing with the first part held therein by a plurality of pieces of resilient material.
 8. An aeration machine according to claim 3, wherein the first part may be of generally square cross-section.
 9. An aeration machine according to claim 8, wherein a piece of material is along each side of the first part.
 10. An aeration machine according to claim 9, wherein the second part is of square cross-section.
 11. An aeration machine according to claim 10, wherein in a rest condition the first and second parts may be oriented at substantially 45° relative to each other.
 12. An aeration machine according to claim 3, wherein the first part is mountable to the tines.
 13. An aeration machine according to claim 12, wherein the second part is mountable to the remainder of the machine.
 14. An aeration machine according to claim 12, wherein the first part is mounted to the tines by a pivotal arrangement.
 15. An aeration machine according to claim 14, wherein the arrangement comprises a first member extending from the vibration absorbing member and which pivotally mounts a linkage member.
 16. An aeration machine according to claim 15, wherein the linkage member pivotally connects to the tines.
 17. An aeration machine according to claim 1, wherein the tines are vertically drivable by a link member pivotally mounted off centre on a drive wheel.
 18. An aeration machine according to claim 17, wherein the link member pivotally mounts the linkage arrangement. 